According to Dr.Weil, director of the Integrated Medicine at University of Arizona, every disease has a spiritual ( deficiency) root. I heard about this not only from Dr. Weil, but also from Buddist belief in Taiwan. The Buddist says that you harvest what you sowed. The so-called 善有善報, 惡有惡報 in Chinese language. Although, today we no longer believe in this connection, because bad things can also happen to good people. Nevertheless, spirituality does not hurt in promoting health.
According to Dr. Weil, attending church, giving money for donation,contributes very little for spiritually. For true spirituality, one must provide care for other people without asking for any return. According to this definition, mothers, grandmothers, and care givers are those person blessed with spirituality. For those people who do not have to care for other people, Dr.Weil suggests those people to volunteer in hospital, visit shut-in, or volunteer in either the emergency shelter or warming shelters.
I am glad to report that I take Dr. Weil's advice seriously and begin to engage in this type of activities.
How about reading and writing about inspirational stories? Dr. Weil did not mention that, yet I found writing alone is also a very powerful tool to grow spirituality. Let me illustrate this with a story from one of my painting friend, Judy (name has been changed to protect the identity of the individual). She had a very bad first marriage; the experience was so bad that those bad experiences haunted her either in sleep or in awake even she has been happily married to Nick, her second husband. She began to write about those haunting stories and the strategy to overcome those fear. When she finished writing, miraculously, those haunting experiences disappeared. Her husband, Nick went into deep depression after his son took his own life at age of 21. Nick also overcame his depression by writing. My own experience of writing stories in blog or writing e-mail with a friend on "Trust in God" and "Forgiveness", also helps my spirituality.
In short, for spirituality I will continue to volunteer in shelters, writing inspirational stories in blog, meditate or say prayers, and read inspirational stories.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Turning into 67. Reflection #4. Life saving life style changes
The most important life style changes is that I stick to Joe Furman's diet almost religiously to improve my digestion system. Furman's diet is stricter than the ordinary vegetarian diet. A vegetarian diet, the dieter can eat pasta, breakfast cereal, or bread and bagel. Not for Furman's diet. According to Furman's, theses refined starch substances is no different from table sugar, can produce havoc to buddy's insulin regulation producing body's inflammatory response.
My regular diet for breakfast: Kefir/yoguart(plane)/home-made sauerkraut/garlic, as aside dish; steel-cut oat meal with sweat pepper, berries, tomatoes, grapes,and avocado as the main dish. Lunch will be a big salad with greens, carrots, sweet peppers, berries, grapes, apple, nuts, and avocado. Dinner will be primarily cooked vegetable. Sometimes, I would have egg and fish.
When I disclosed this diet plan to one of my tennis buddy, he laughed at me saying that diet was a typical 'rabbit food.' Yes, maybe it is a 'rabbit food'. But rabbits don't get cancer, type-2 diabetics or heart attack like us. Many studies have shown convincingly, a vegetable-fruit-probiotic based food saves lives as they have been documented in the citations of Dr. Furman's books, "Eat to Live" and "Super Immunity". I do not know whether this diet will eliminate my precancerous conditions in the stomach. However, I do see clearly two positive outcomes: (1) My seasoning allergy symptoms are greatly reduced since I adopt this diet. (2) My antibiotic-resistant H Pylori is gone, at least for now.
Other important life style changes is that I incorporate meditation into daily routine. There are many meditation CD available in the market. Listening to these meditation music in a quiet environment can effectively quiet our busy mind. No one can dispute mind-body connection with the good health.
My regular diet for breakfast: Kefir/yoguart(plane)/home-made sauerkraut/garlic, as aside dish; steel-cut oat meal with sweat pepper, berries, tomatoes, grapes,and avocado as the main dish. Lunch will be a big salad with greens, carrots, sweet peppers, berries, grapes, apple, nuts, and avocado. Dinner will be primarily cooked vegetable. Sometimes, I would have egg and fish.
When I disclosed this diet plan to one of my tennis buddy, he laughed at me saying that diet was a typical 'rabbit food.' Yes, maybe it is a 'rabbit food'. But rabbits don't get cancer, type-2 diabetics or heart attack like us. Many studies have shown convincingly, a vegetable-fruit-probiotic based food saves lives as they have been documented in the citations of Dr. Furman's books, "Eat to Live" and "Super Immunity". I do not know whether this diet will eliminate my precancerous conditions in the stomach. However, I do see clearly two positive outcomes: (1) My seasoning allergy symptoms are greatly reduced since I adopt this diet. (2) My antibiotic-resistant H Pylori is gone, at least for now.
Other important life style changes is that I incorporate meditation into daily routine. There are many meditation CD available in the market. Listening to these meditation music in a quiet environment can effectively quiet our busy mind. No one can dispute mind-body connection with the good health.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Turning into 67, Reflection #3--Triumph
The biggest triumph this year is eradicating antibiotic-resisting H-Pylori in my stomach. Since H. Pylori is a primary carcinogen for stomach cancer and since I already have precancerous conditions in my stomach, I was devastating when I learned that I had antibiotic-resistant H. Pylori in my stomach. The infectious disease doctor wanted me to try 21-day another antibiotic regiment; yet he gave me no guarantee that the new treatment will eradicate the bug. Besides, if the 21-day treatment failed again, this H. Pylori would become non-treatable, or a super-bug.
I refused. Instead I tried to use diet, pro-biotic, and herbal medicine (Mastic gum and Matula tea) to see if they are effective. According to my research, these approaches were very successful in the reported case.
In June, when I had endoscope and culture studies with both 1 day and 1 week culture work at Mayo Clinic found nothing on this bug, I was elated.
This was the biggest triumph of the year.
I refused. Instead I tried to use diet, pro-biotic, and herbal medicine (Mastic gum and Matula tea) to see if they are effective. According to my research, these approaches were very successful in the reported case.
In June, when I had endoscope and culture studies with both 1 day and 1 week culture work at Mayo Clinic found nothing on this bug, I was elated.
This was the biggest triumph of the year.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Turning into 67. Reflection #2. When do I retire?
As I turn into 67 in a few days, I will belong to the most senior faculty ( in terms of age, not the rank) group. I am the oldest faculty in my unit. I am older than the chancellor, the provost, the dean, and other "bosses". Although colleagues are often very polite not to ask me when do I retire, they probably talk about this in private. Among my friends in Appleton, especially old Kimberly-Clark colleagues, they do often bluntly ask, when will I retire?
The short answer to this question is that, not yet. Not for a while. My dad worked until he was 80. My brother, Ting-Kai, who is 11 years older than I is still teaching at Furdam university in NY state. Compare to them, 67 is still a "puppy". I still have many years to go.
Teaching provides me mental challenges on the subjects I teach; giving me opportunities to interact with young men and women allowing me to guide them for their future career success. The scholarship aspect of my job provides me ample opportunity to create, to keep on learning.
When I was awarded as a tenure faculty in 2008, I did not have any expectation for any more career advancement. For one thing, I am short of the drive compared to those young colleagues in the 40's or 50's. For another reason, my expertise is in the area of polymer chemistry. Polymer chemistry research requires expensive equipment; UW-Green Bay is not able to fund my research.
Well, situation changes in an amazing way. Few years ago, I had a chance to listen to a great seminar given by Professor Weinhold of UW-Madison. I decided to take on quantum computation as my new research direction. Working with him for about 4 years, we actually have 4 manuscripts to submit for publication. Once these4 papers are published, I may be able to apply for promotion to the 'Professor' rank.
In short, at age 67, I still have a lot of iron to fire, both in teaching and scholarship. It would be a while before I decide to retire.
The short answer to this question is that, not yet. Not for a while. My dad worked until he was 80. My brother, Ting-Kai, who is 11 years older than I is still teaching at Furdam university in NY state. Compare to them, 67 is still a "puppy". I still have many years to go.
Teaching provides me mental challenges on the subjects I teach; giving me opportunities to interact with young men and women allowing me to guide them for their future career success. The scholarship aspect of my job provides me ample opportunity to create, to keep on learning.
When I was awarded as a tenure faculty in 2008, I did not have any expectation for any more career advancement. For one thing, I am short of the drive compared to those young colleagues in the 40's or 50's. For another reason, my expertise is in the area of polymer chemistry. Polymer chemistry research requires expensive equipment; UW-Green Bay is not able to fund my research.
Well, situation changes in an amazing way. Few years ago, I had a chance to listen to a great seminar given by Professor Weinhold of UW-Madison. I decided to take on quantum computation as my new research direction. Working with him for about 4 years, we actually have 4 manuscripts to submit for publication. Once these4 papers are published, I may be able to apply for promotion to the 'Professor' rank.
In short, at age 67, I still have a lot of iron to fire, both in teaching and scholarship. It would be a while before I decide to retire.
Turning into 67. Reflection # 1--Gratitude
I will turn into 67 in a few days. Four years ago, when I came back from Taiwan, I was very sick. I was wondering if I can live through 65 birthday. Well, I not only live through 65, I actually reach 67. I am actually looking forward to reach 70. Although I still have some medical problems now and then, I know I have more knowledge of taking care of myself. Thus, my first reflection on my 67 year old birthday is my deep gratitude to God to continue to sustain my life. I can breathe, walk, laugh, and work on demanding faculty job. God also grants me optimism about the future and all the tools and knowledge to take care of myself.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Thirteen ways to be happy
Here comes from another unsolicited e-mail about happiness. They also make sense to be. Post here to share the message with my friends.
Here's what you can do.
1. Little acts of kindness- Do little acts of kindness for
example: make a donation to the needy, helping someone,
elderly on the road. This not only reveals the joy of
sharing but also helps you appreciate what you have. You
could also visit someone sick in the hospital.
2. Treat other people with as much love and respect as you
would like them to respect you, and you will soon feel the
warmth of reciprocation. Be courteous to people whether it
is in the shopping malls or in the buses.
3. It is always a good idea to let out your thoughts and ideas
and this also helps in discovering your own way of
self-expression, the thoughts and ideas can be in a form of
poetry, talking to friends or keeping a diary.
4. Learn to let go of painful experiences- This is done by
treating every experience as a lesson to be learnt,
therefore learn it but don't dwell on the hurt, remember
people fall and rise again and there always will be someone
who has gone through worse.
5. Forgive yourself of past mistakes because mistakes are a
part of life and we are all human.
6. Post positive messages where you can see them every day,
read them aloud each time you see them, they could be posted
on your dressing mirror, you workstation in the office, your
refrigerator, the messages should remind you how awesome you
are.
7. Rediscover your passion- Deep down in your heart, what do
you to do? Write down your goals and figure out what you can
do to get there.
8. Embrace the real you- Do not be afraid to show your true
self.
9. Trust your instincts- many times your inner voice won't lead
you astray. Do what you feel is right for you rather than
doing what others think you should do.
10. Appreciate your achievements- You only need to think hard
and you discover you have achievements you have never
appreciated, celebrate that you managed to finish school,
got a good job, look a mortgage to buy a house, brought up
children right despite the challenges.
11. Do things you enjoy- Take time for yourself and simply
indulge, feed your inner child.
12. Listen to some feel- good music- If you're having a bad day
put on some music. Good music touches the very core of your
being.
13. Visualize- This means using your imagination consciously to
visualize something that you want in your life. The
difference between imagination and visualize is that in
visualization you feel it in your heart, that what you
picture in your mind is actually possible. Then you take
action.
After all is said and done- You can think yourself happy or
you can think yourself miserable, it is entirely up to you.
Here's what you can do.
1. Little acts of kindness- Do little acts of kindness for
example: make a donation to the needy, helping someone,
elderly on the road. This not only reveals the joy of
sharing but also helps you appreciate what you have. You
could also visit someone sick in the hospital.
2. Treat other people with as much love and respect as you
would like them to respect you, and you will soon feel the
warmth of reciprocation. Be courteous to people whether it
is in the shopping malls or in the buses.
3. It is always a good idea to let out your thoughts and ideas
and this also helps in discovering your own way of
self-expression, the thoughts and ideas can be in a form of
poetry, talking to friends or keeping a diary.
4. Learn to let go of painful experiences- This is done by
treating every experience as a lesson to be learnt,
therefore learn it but don't dwell on the hurt, remember
people fall and rise again and there always will be someone
who has gone through worse.
5. Forgive yourself of past mistakes because mistakes are a
part of life and we are all human.
6. Post positive messages where you can see them every day,
read them aloud each time you see them, they could be posted
on your dressing mirror, you workstation in the office, your
refrigerator, the messages should remind you how awesome you
are.
7. Rediscover your passion- Deep down in your heart, what do
you to do? Write down your goals and figure out what you can
do to get there.
8. Embrace the real you- Do not be afraid to show your true
self.
9. Trust your instincts- many times your inner voice won't lead
you astray. Do what you feel is right for you rather than
doing what others think you should do.
10. Appreciate your achievements- You only need to think hard
and you discover you have achievements you have never
appreciated, celebrate that you managed to finish school,
got a good job, look a mortgage to buy a house, brought up
children right despite the challenges.
11. Do things you enjoy- Take time for yourself and simply
indulge, feed your inner child.
12. Listen to some feel- good music- If you're having a bad day
put on some music. Good music touches the very core of your
being.
13. Visualize- This means using your imagination consciously to
visualize something that you want in your life. The
difference between imagination and visualize is that in
visualization you feel it in your heart, that what you
picture in your mind is actually possible. Then you take
action.
After all is said and done- You can think yourself happy or
you can think yourself miserable, it is entirely up to you.
Let go to be happy
The following message come from an unsolicited e-mail; however, it makes a lot of sense for us to be happy.
Most people have it wrong.
Most folks think that by gathering more stuff,
they'll finally find happiness.
But often, you can find true happiness RIGHT NOW,
in this moment, simply by letting go.
Here are 4 things that you can let go of that will
make you a happier, more peaceful person by the
time you hit the sack tonight:
1) Let go of the need to impress others.
If you're a human being, chances are you care about
what other people think of you.
After all - we are naturally social creatures!
But if you find yourself spending too much of your
time, money or energy trying to impress other people
and get their approval, you're not being true to YOU.
There's no need to try and be something you're not,
because who you are right now is FABULOUS!
Focus instead on living the most authentic version
of yourself.
When you fully embrace who you are and share it with
others, you'll find that people will appreciate how
REAL you are and will flock to you effortlessly. :)
2) Let go of the need to be right.
Sometimes when we feel we've been mistreated or
misunderstood by someone, we can get caught up
into wanting that person to admit they've
wronged us.
And we want an apology!
Or at least acknowledgement that we are right and they're
wrong. :)
The problem is that not all human beings see things
from the same perspective. In your world, you're
right… but in their world, so are they.
There are definitely times where an apology is necessary.
But most other times, rather than allowing feelings of
negativity to take root inside you and start spilling
over into other areas of your life, it may be best to
ask yourself this:
"Do I want to be right? Or do I want to be happy?"
Often it's just our ego that keeps us holding on to past
resentments and upsets. Instead, consider letting go of
the desire to be right and you'll find you'll instantly
restore happiness and contentment in your life.
3) Let go of the desire to gossip.
I've heard it said that gossip is just a cheap way to make
yourself feel good, and I have to agree.
We all know that gossiping about other people is… well, not
so good.
But when the people around you are doing it, it can be easy to
slip into doing it, too!
Consider though that the quality of your life depends on the
quality of the conversations you have.
If you want to live a more fulfilling life, start by embracing
the power of your word. Your voice is powerful! And what you
have to say makes a difference.
Be committed to having more positive conversations about
things that matter… not people… and you'll be surprised how
quickly you'll brighten your outlook on life.
4) Let go of the past.
It's easy to dwell on the past, especially when the future is
so unknown!
Looking to the past can feel safe… we know what has happened
and we know what we could do to change things… if only we
had the chance.
The truth is, though, that you never will have the chance to
change the past.
Not unless scientists finally invent a time machine. ;)
Your past has served its purpose - it's brought you to the
place you are today and made you the person you are now.
And who you are right now is absolutely perfect.
Be grateful for your experiences, but know that NOW is all
you have. So do your best to enjoy each moment. Give
yourself the gift of being present!
To your everlasting happiness,
Most people have it wrong.
Most folks think that by gathering more stuff,
they'll finally find happiness.
But often, you can find true happiness RIGHT NOW,
in this moment, simply by letting go.
Here are 4 things that you can let go of that will
make you a happier, more peaceful person by the
time you hit the sack tonight:
1) Let go of the need to impress others.
If you're a human being, chances are you care about
what other people think of you.
After all - we are naturally social creatures!
But if you find yourself spending too much of your
time, money or energy trying to impress other people
and get their approval, you're not being true to YOU.
There's no need to try and be something you're not,
because who you are right now is FABULOUS!
Focus instead on living the most authentic version
of yourself.
When you fully embrace who you are and share it with
others, you'll find that people will appreciate how
REAL you are and will flock to you effortlessly. :)
2) Let go of the need to be right.
Sometimes when we feel we've been mistreated or
misunderstood by someone, we can get caught up
into wanting that person to admit they've
wronged us.
And we want an apology!
Or at least acknowledgement that we are right and they're
wrong. :)
The problem is that not all human beings see things
from the same perspective. In your world, you're
right… but in their world, so are they.
There are definitely times where an apology is necessary.
But most other times, rather than allowing feelings of
negativity to take root inside you and start spilling
over into other areas of your life, it may be best to
ask yourself this:
"Do I want to be right? Or do I want to be happy?"
Often it's just our ego that keeps us holding on to past
resentments and upsets. Instead, consider letting go of
the desire to be right and you'll find you'll instantly
restore happiness and contentment in your life.
3) Let go of the desire to gossip.
I've heard it said that gossip is just a cheap way to make
yourself feel good, and I have to agree.
We all know that gossiping about other people is… well, not
so good.
But when the people around you are doing it, it can be easy to
slip into doing it, too!
Consider though that the quality of your life depends on the
quality of the conversations you have.
If you want to live a more fulfilling life, start by embracing
the power of your word. Your voice is powerful! And what you
have to say makes a difference.
Be committed to having more positive conversations about
things that matter… not people… and you'll be surprised how
quickly you'll brighten your outlook on life.
4) Let go of the past.
It's easy to dwell on the past, especially when the future is
so unknown!
Looking to the past can feel safe… we know what has happened
and we know what we could do to change things… if only we
had the chance.
The truth is, though, that you never will have the chance to
change the past.
Not unless scientists finally invent a time machine. ;)
Your past has served its purpose - it's brought you to the
place you are today and made you the person you are now.
And who you are right now is absolutely perfect.
Be grateful for your experiences, but know that NOW is all
you have. So do your best to enjoy each moment. Give
yourself the gift of being present!
To your everlasting happiness,
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